THE energy advice service from Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy (WWCE) will be returning to venues in Melksham this March, following an overwhelmingly positive response from locals.
Developed by WWCE’s carbon reduction champion Jessica Thimbleby, the Keeping Warm This Winter community engagement project is designed to deliver targeted advice to people who may be struggling with fuel costs. The first tranche of pop-up sessions took place in November and December last year, helping over 150 local residents better understand how they can reduce their energy bills.
Working closely with local community groups and organisations to run the sessions, Jessica led events at Melksham Community Larder, That Meeting Space and Melksham Library, during which residents had an opportunity to have their questions around increasing energy efficiency at home, answered. Jessica was also on hand to suggest ways to reduce draughts, damp and condensation, and deal with the risk of mould as people have the heating on less.
She said, “Our first series of events was so well received by residents in Melksham, even attracting the attention of Michelle Donelan MP, that we’ve decided to bring them back this March. Attendees seem to have found the sessions very helpful, so I’m hopeful that we can reach even more people this time round. It may feel like spring is on its way but with government support coming to an end this is still a really worrying time for many.”
Jessica will be at the Melksham Foodbank on 2nd and 21st March with Melksham Without Parish Council and other organisations offering advice on a range of issues including the improvements you can make to insulate your home, including park homes.
A further session at Melksham Library is expected to be confirmed soon.
Julian Barlow, chair of WWCE, of Wiltshire’s largest not-for-profit solar energy enterprises, said, “With energy prices still incredibly high and further rises expected in April, there’s never been greater call for groups like ours to share their expertise, which is why we’ve decided to continue supporting communities in Wiltshire by offering this vital service. Delivering tangible community benefits has always been at the heart of everything we do, and this initiative is an extension of that commitment.”
Above: one of the energy cafes at Shaw Lunch Club
